Tropical Storm Beryl forms in the Atlantic

The second named storm of the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season has formed in the mid-Atlantic.

Tropical Storm Beryl is small, but mighty and is intensifying, as of Thursday night.

Maximum sustained winds are at 65miles per hour (m.p.h.) with tropical-storm-force winds extending 35 miles from the center.

Some additional intensification will be possible as Beryl tracks to the west toward the Lesser Antilles. Beryl may intensify into a hurricane by Friday; however, as Beryl nears the Lesser Antilles, the storm will encounter a hostile environment (high wind shear, drier air), which will eventually rip it apart. It is forecast to degenerate and become a remnant tropical wave.

The National Hurricane Center states, "Even though Beryl is expected to dissipate just east of the Lesser Antilles early next week, the remnant tropical wave will continue moving quickly westward and will likely bring locally heavy rains and gusty winds to portions of the Leeward Islands on Sunday and Monday."

Additionally, the NHC says, "It cannot be stressed enough, however, that this is a low confidence forecast."

This storm is not expected to be a threat to the Gulf of Mexico, but this could certainly change; therefore, you should always have your hurricane preparedness plan ready to go!